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RSW → IAH
Which side of the plane to sit from Southwest Florida International Airport (Fort Myers) to George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most iconic views of Florida's barrier islands immediately after takeoff and typically provides a better angle for the Texas coastline and Galveston Bay during the descent into Houston.
Sanibel & Captiva Islands
Stunning aerial views of these famous shell-shaped barrier islands and their white sand beaches right after departure.
Gulf of Mexico
Vast stretches of deep blue water often featuring sun glint and occasional sightings of large cargo vessels.
Offshore Oil Rigs
Distant industrial structures appearing as tiny specks in the deep waters of the western Gulf.
Galveston Island
A clear view of the historic seawall, Pleasure Pier, and the sandy beaches of the Texas coast during descent.
Houston Ship Channel
One of the busiest ports in the world, visible with massive tankers and intricate industrial infrastructure.
Sit on the left for the best sunrise/sunset views depending on your flight time, as the sun will be to the south/southwest. For the best view of the Florida islands, ensure you have a window seat clear of the wing, ideally in the first or last third of the cabin.
Pine Island Sound
An intricate network of mangrove keys and shallow turquoise grass flats north of the departure path.
Louisiana Wetlands
The sprawling marshes and winding bayous of the southern Louisiana coastline are visible to the north.
Sabine Pass
The waterway marking the state line between Louisiana and Texas, characterized by heavy industrial activity.
Sam Houston Forest
Dense green pine forests that dominate the landscape if the flight approaches IAH from the north.
Lake Houston
A massive reservoir that serves as a major landmark during the final approach into the airport.
The right side is excellent for seeing the transition from the muddy sediment plumes of the Mississippi Delta into the clearer Gulf waters. It also stays cooler during afternoon flights as it faces away from the direct southern sun.
Distance: 1,384 km (860 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 51 min
Departure: RSW (26.53619956970215, -81.75520324707031)
Arrival: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Route Type: Domestic
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